Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today (July 15) said Chattogram Port’s capacity has continued to grow despite global economic challenges, and the planned Bay Terminal will reduce import and export costs while boosting the country’s economy.
Replying to a written question in parliament on the overall development of Chattogram Port, he said the port remained operational around the clock even during the Covid-19 pandemic and the global economic downturn.
“Cargo handling at Chattogram Port increased from 4.54 crore tonnes in 2010 to 13.82 crore tonnes in 2025, while container handling rose from 13.43 lakh TEUs to 34.09 lakh TEUs over the same period,” the prime minister said.
The prime minister said the government has expanded the port’s capacity by bringing the Patenga Container Terminal into operation, constructing the Laldia Container Terminal, carrying out regular capital and maintenance dredging, and introducing digital services, including the Port Community System, e-payment, e-gate passes, the Port Single Window, and automation.
Efforts are also underway to procure new equipment to strengthen cargo and container handling capacity, he added.
Responding to a supplementary question from Chattogram-13 BNP lawmaker Sarwar Jamal Nizam, Tarique said the government is working to implement the Bay Terminal project, which he said would benefit the national economy.
“The Bay Terminal will allow large mother vessels to berth directly at Chattogram Port. At present, navigational limitations prevent such vessels from entering the port. Once they can berth directly, transshipment costs will reduce,” he said.
He also said the project would accelerate import and export activities, expand trade, and have a positive impact on the economy.
Replying to another supplementary question from Dhaka-5 Jamaat lawmaker Mohammad Kamal Hossain on allegations of irregularities involving the procurement and maintenance of container scanners at Chattogram Port, the prime minister said those responsible for any corruption would be brought to book.
“Chattogram Port is a state asset that belongs to the people. If any corruption has taken place there, regardless of when it occurred, those responsible will be brought to justice under the law,” he said.
The government would continue its efforts to prevent the misuse of state assets and gradually build a corruption-free environment, the prime minister added.
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